Our client is seeking a Flight Test Engineer to be responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing flight test activities to evaluate the performance, handling qualities, systems behaviour, and safety of aerospace platforms.

The role requires strong technical capability in test planning, data acquisition, instrumentation, and post‑flight analysis, ensuring that flight test programmes generate accurate, traceable, and actionable engineering evidence. The post holder will support the full flight test lifecycle—from requirements definition and test card development through to flight execution, data analysis, and reporting—working closely with pilots, systems engineers, and certification authorities.

The successful candidate will thrive within a fast-paced engineering environment and be excited by the opportunity to contribute to the development of next-generation UAVs, propulsion systems, and advanced airborne platforms designed to support the evolving operational requirements of modern defence.

The position would be based near Shaftesbury in Dorset, and requires mostly on-site working.

Key Responsibilities

Flight Test Planning & Preparation

• Develop detailed flight test plans, test cards, and safety assessments based on engineering requirements.
• Define test objectives, manoeuvres, instrumentation needs, and data capture strategies.
• Support the integration and verification of flight test instrumentation and telemetry systems.
• Conduct pre‑flight briefings, hazard assessments, and readiness reviews.
• Ensure all flight test documentation complies with internal standards and regulatory requirements.

 Flight Test Execution & Coordination

• Coordinate and monitor flight test missions from the control room or onboard (where applicable).
• Manage real‑time data acquisition, telemetry monitoring, and test point sequencing.
• Communicate effectively with flight crew to ensure safe and efficient execution of test objectives.
• Identify and document any anomalies, deviations, or safety concerns during flight.

Data Analysis & Reporting

• Analyse flight test data to evaluate aircraft performance, handling qualities, and system behaviour.
• Produce detailed flight test reports including plots, engineering conclusions, and compliance evidence.
• Support root‑cause investigations for flight test anomalies and recommend corrective actions.

Engineering Support & Collaboration

• Work closely with pilots, systems engineers, avionics engineers, and safety teams to ensure test coverage aligns with programme needs.
• Participate in design reviews, readiness reviews, and technical boards.
• Support prototype builds, instrumentation installation, and ground integration activities.
• Assist in developing improved test methods, tools, and processes.

Key Skills

• Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or proven ability in a related discipline.
• Proven ability in flight test, flight trials, or aircraft systems testing within aerospace or defence environments.
• Strong understanding of aircraft performance, handling qualities, and flight dynamics.
• Proficiency with flight test instrumentation, telemetry systems, and data acquisition tools.
• Ability to interpret aircraft drawings, system schematics, and technical specifications.
• Strong analytical skills with experience processing and interpreting flight test data.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work collaboratively with pilots and engineering teams.
• Working knowledge of airworthiness, certification, and safety processes.

Desirable

• Experience with developmental or experimental flight test programmes.
• Familiarity with military or civil flight test standards (e.g., EASA CS 23/25, MIL HDBK 1797, MIL STD 810).
• Experience with flight test instrumentation integration and calibration.
• Knowledge of flight test risk management, safety assessments, and test readiness processes.

Security Clearance

This role is subject to UK Security Clearance requirements (SC level). The post holder must be eligible and able to obtain and maintain the required level of clearance.